Description
Classic cafeteria-style brownies with rich chocolate flavor and signature glossy frosting that recreate those unforgettable school lunch treats
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter (for brownies)
- 2 cups granulated sugar
- 4 large eggs
- 4 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1½ cups all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup (½ stick) unsalted butter (for frosting)
- ¼ cup whole milk
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder (for frosting)
- 3 cups powdered sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (for frosting)
Instructions
- 1. Preheat oven to 350°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking pan thoroughly with butter or cooking spray.
- 2. Melt 1 cup butter and let cool slightly, then whisk together with granulated sugar in a large bowl until well combined.
- 3. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition, then stir in 2 teaspoons vanilla extract.
- 4. In a separate bowl, sift together flour, 4 tablespoons cocoa powder, and salt.
- 5. Gently fold dry ingredients into wet mixture until just combined, being careful not to overmix.
- 6. Pour batter into prepared pan and spread evenly into all corners.
- 7. Bake for 20-25 minutes until a toothpick inserted near the edge comes out with moist crumbs attached.
- 8. Remove from oven and cool completely on a wire rack for 45-60 minutes.
- 9. For frosting, combine ¼ cup butter, milk, and 3 tablespoons cocoa in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring until butter melts.
- 10. Bring mixture just to a boil, then immediately remove from heat.
- 11. Gradually whisk in powdered sugar one cup at a time until smooth, then add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- 12. Pour warm frosting over cooled brownies and spread evenly with an offset spatula.
- 13. Let frosting set for 30 minutes at room temperature before cutting into squares.
Notes
Store brownies in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 4 days or refrigerate for up to 1 week. Can be frozen unfrosted for up to 3 months. For cleanest cuts, wipe knife between each slice.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 brownie
- Calories: 245
- Sugar: 28g
- Sodium: 95mg
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g